November 14, 2025
Principal’s Message – November 14th
Dear École Herbert Spencer Community,
The Holiday Season is upon us! We have two BIG EVENTS coming up to help us get in the festive mood! The Christmas Craft Fair on November 22nd and First Light on November 27th! See more details for both events below!
Thursday, November 20th – EFI Consolidation information and Public Engagement Session
New Westminster Schools cordially invites you to join us for an evening information and public engagement session at the district board office (811 Ontario Street) on Thursday, November 20, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss the Qayqayt Elementary Early French Immersion program consolidation to Herbert Spencer Elementary that is coming in the 2026-2027 school year. Families that cannot attend in person may join the meeting remotely on Zoom at:
This is your opportunity to learn more about the changes and submit questions for our team in advance of the meeting. Please send us your in-person RSVP and optional question by 5 p.m., November 15, at:
Friday, November 21st – Professional Development Day – School is Closed to Students
Saturday, November 22nd – Christmas Craft Fair!
Our annual Christmas Craft Fair is being held on Saturday, November 22nd from 10AM – 3PM. The PAC’s largest fundraiser of the year, with free admission, over 60 artisan vendors, our own student crafters in Candy Cane Lane, the Bistro, Bake Sale and Raffle draw – this is an event not to be missed!
~ A Message from our amazing Coordinators … Mavra, Shawna & Robyn!
The Herbert Spencer Christmas Craft Fair is still looking for volunteers to help set up for the fair on November 20th & 21st and to assist on the big day: November 22rd.
Please join us in helping to make this well loved event a merry success! Thank You!
Support our school by sharing your time, we can’t wait to see you there!
Craft Fair: https://signup.com/go/gBAubOQ
Bake sale: https://signup.com/go/zJKRkHb
Thursday, November 27th – First Light!
The annual lighting of our Christmas Tree at the corner of 2nd Street and 6th Avenue is always a memorable evening and very well attended by the community. The tree lights will be hung by the city next week!
In addition to joining us for the lighting promptly at 7PM, we need your help! ALL Students have been learning the song – Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson – and the thought is that we all sing this on the First Light Night together as a community. Linked here is a youtube clip of the song and words. Students will be tasked with teaching family members between now and the big night so we can all participate!
Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
PAC Fundraisers!
The PAC has what you need this FALL!
See the PAC Fundraisers Page Here for ALL of the Current PAC Fundraisers.
Neufeld Farms – More Info Here
Stock up on all your Neufeld Farms favourites – from ready to bake treats to hearty family meals – and help support the school!
Orders Due: Monday, November 17th
Pick-Up Date at the School: Wednesday, November 26th at 7 PM
Purdys – More Info Here!
Just in time for the holiday season! Stock up on all your sweet gifts and support our school at the same time!
Supporter Deadline: November 26, 2025
Pickup at the School from 6:00 to 6:30PM: December 10, 2025
Contact for more information:Renee at reneenixdorf@gmail.com
Upcoming Dates
Nov 20 EFI Consolidation Plan Information Session (5PM – 6PM) (Zoom Link)
Nov 21 Professional Development Day – School is closed to students
Nov 22 Holiday Craft Fair
Nov 27 First Light (Evening Lighting of our Christmas Tree)
Nov 28 Pizza Fun Day
Community Happenings!
New West Schools Family Math Night – December 10, 2025 – More info HERE!
Be Heard New West! – NWPL Survey to support their Facilities Master Plan – Give your feedback here
Calendar Dates:
Nov 20 EFI Consolidation Plan Information Session (5PM – 6PM) (Zoom Link)
Nov 21 Professional Development Day – School is closed to students
Nov 22 Holiday Craft Fair
Nov 27 First Light (Evening Lighting of our Christmas Tree)
Nov 28 Bonjour Bonne-Nuit! Division 21
Nov 28 Pizza Fun Day
Dec 11 First Report Published
Dec 12 McDonald’s Fun Lunch
Dec 19 PAC Gift Treat Day
Dec 22 – Jan 2 Winter Vacation
Useful Links:
École Herbert Spencer Website
École Herbert Spencer Parent Advisory Council Website
PAC Events Calendar
École Herbert Spencer 2025-26 School Calendar
School Cash Online Information
Family Portal Instructions for Parents
My Ed BC Parent Portal instructions